Knowledge Mobilisation and Public & Community Involvement

Mosquito-borne viruses and tick-borne pathogens are the most important vector-borne disease agents threatening the health of people in Europe, including the UK. Endemic mosquito-borne diseases have not been a significant problem in the UK since the disappearance of malaria several decades ago, but emerging mosquito-borne viral diseases in Europe are an ever-growing threat. Certain tick-borne viral diseases are also emerging in Europe and potentially threaten the UK; and tick-borne borreliosis is already a public health issue here, and is increasing in incidence. The Vector Biology Theme will focus, over the initial five years, on mosquito- and tick-borne viral threats to the UK, and tick-borne borreliosis.

The long-term objectives are to:

Become a centre of excellence for the testing of indigenous mosquitoes and ticks (and other arthropods) for vector competence for pathogens that require high containment.

Assess the current risk presented by dengue, chikungunya and tick-borne pathogens to England.